Newcastle United sign Bafetimbi Gomis from Lyon

Gomis during training for Lyon

Newcastle United signed Bafetimbi Gomis from the Ligue 1 club with an offer in the region of £8m, but there is a delay from Newcastle side as they are still negotiating personal terms which, it is understood, will be resolved in next 24 to 48 hours, according to the Guardian.

Gomis, French international and a close friend of Magpies midfielder Moussa Sissoko, scored 20 goals in 44 games for Lyon last season. He will become the 11th Frenchman in Newcastle’s first-team squad.

Once the deal goes through, Gomis will become Newcastle’s first major signing following the arrival of Joe Kinnear as director of football.

Gomis came through the youth ranks of lower league outfit Sporting Toulon Var. Then at the age of 15 he signed for St Etienne in 2000.

The striker made his first team debut for St Etienne in 2004, and went on to score 40 goals in 142 league appearances for the club.

At international level he made an immediate impact as he netted twice on debut for France in a friendly against Ecuador back in May 2008, which earned him a place in the national squad for Euro 2008.

In July 2009, Gomis made a £13m move from St Etienne to Lyon where he has played for the last four seasons.